Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-07-14
RAGS!

way along.
Now and then ray of sunlight CLINT
inc through the trees fell across these
pretty bare heads and lovely dusky
faces.
Their dresses of rich cream embroid-
ery were gathered about the waist by
delicate pink ribbons; bows of the same
rosy hue held back their thickly-clus-
tered curls; tiny worked socks and pink
Kid shoes completed toilettes fit for any
young princesses.
But Zoe and Fay Marchmont were
not princesses, only two very wilful,
thoughtless little girls. who, having es-
capped from nurses vigilant eyes whilst
she hushed baby to sleep, had run on
and on, until, once in the woods all re-
morse fled in the delight Of chasing the
bright-winged butterflies.
Are you tired p Zoe asked presently,
turning to her younger sister.
No, not very; but Zoe, will nursie be
dreadtui angry =
Zoe laughed saucily. She did not
care what anxiety their absence might
be causing to those at home /; feeling
of reckless joy, of intense freedom had
taken possession of her.
The pathway became less closely to-
gether as they neared the end. When
at last the children stepped ont into the
open road, both paused in silent Won
der.
DO you know the way? Shall we
be home soon p Fay inquired eagerly;
for in spite of her former denial, she
did begin to feel trifle weary.
'oh yes; we only have to 60 straight:
up this road; don't you remember =
Fay did not remember ever having
passed that way before; but she was too
obedient and yielding to say so. 5
Hand-in-hand, scarcely ever exchang-
inga word, the children wandered a
long, still hoping to shortly reach their
home.
Presently voices fell on their ears
loud. gruff voices such as they rarely
heard before. Momentary terror made
them pause for one instant, then Zoe,
with firm steps, marched on.
There are some people in that field
suppose we 60 and ask them if we are
going the right way
Very well.' Fay agreed wearily,
though she shrank timidly behind her
sister as they neared the huge tent
standing in the field.
A. party of rough.looking women
were washing at tiny clear spring,
shouting to each other all the while
several sunbGrnt children lay rolling on
the grass, filling the air with their JOY
ous cries.
Zoe dragged poor frightened Fay
close to the big tent, near where a tall
young girl stood, one brown arm flung
around the shaggy neck of a gentle-eyed
donkey. -
Her pretty face attracted Zoe. and
she gazed wonderingly at the long
masses of red.brown hair, which fell
careiessly about the gipsy's shoulders
her surprised eyes were full of interest.
as the two childrenapproached her.
'Well,' she exclaimed, sharply, trying
in vain to make her voice less harsh
what do you want p
SIS, this the way to Marchmont
Grange p Zoe asked.
The girl laughed scornfullY, and
dashed the clustering hair from her
eyes, q n
Isay. mother, she cried, mockingly,
here are two ladies who have lost their
way. Do you know the place they
want? p O
Wait moment, Meg, don't frighten
the poor mites, one of the women an
swered, and wringing the linen she was
washing she spread it upon the grass,
and hurried towards them. 4
With arms akimbo she scanned the
children closely for several seconds.
What are you doing here ? Why
are you alone p she asked.
Zoe smiled, and drew Fay into great
er prominence by one swift jerk. aH 81
I I'VE wanted to 60 for walk byour-
selves but now don't know which is
our road; could you show us?' she said,
grayely.
Which way did you come p
Through the woods 49,
- The gypsy hesitated, and for mo-
ment her eryious glance was riyeted
npon Che beautiful coral necklaces and
shining gold bracelets worn by the little
sisters. That look soon changed to an
expression Of gentle compassion. It
You ought not to have come out a.
lone; you might have been robbed and
murdered in that lonely wood. Hurry
back now, there's dear children, or
your mother will break her heart at
your loss.'
Are we to 60 again through the
woods p Zoe asked, patheticalIy.
I'm afraid so don't like your 60
ing by yourselves. but there's no help
for it. Run off, dears, it is getting
late.'
They turned to obey her, but Fay
started back with stifled shrek, cling
ing with all her force to Zoe.
oh, Zoe. take him away-he will
bite me y
The cause Of her distress, hungry,
gged-looking dog, came nearer and
sniffed their dainty dresses, then gazed
up into zoe's face with a word of gen.
tleness in his big eyes.
Dear doggie See, Fay, dearest, he